(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dame Elizabeth Taylor was laid to rest yesterday in the same cemetery as Michael Jackson and a host of other Hollywood stars.

The movie icon died of congestive heart failure on Wednesday at the age of 79, and had been suffering from ill health for a long period.

The actress was buried at the Great Mausoleum, at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California, where Elizabeths close pal Michal is also resting, as are film stars Jean Harlow and Clark Gable.

Elizabeth converted to Judaism in 1959, and Jewish custom is that burial takes place as soon as possible. An intimate ceremony was held by Rabbi Jerry Cutler, while actor Colin Farrell who was a close friend of the star - read Gerard Manley Hopkins poem The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo.

Elizabeths son Michael Wilding, daughter Liza Burton Tivey and grandson Tarquin Wilding also gave readings, while grandson Rhys Tivey performed a rendition of the song Amazing Grace on the trumpet.

The funeral began 15 minutes behind schedule, as apparently the star had requested this before she passed.

"She even wanted to be late for her own funeral," a family representative explained in a statement.

Hundreds of Elizabeths adoring fans gathered outside the gates of the ceremony to pay their respects. A public service to honour her is expected to happen in the future. (C) Cover Media